How not to do a period-correct resto
 

I finished modifying my Kool Lemon 1972 Schwinn Super Sport, so I thought I'd share some pics. I'm certainly not a slave to original specs, particularly when the best part of what's original is the frame itself and the low-end components were intended to keep the original cost down. Before and after shots below, but more pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/lerner.n...winnSuperSport

I ditched the original crank for some temporary Campy bling (while I search for a Shimano 600 crankset), put on Velo Orange alloy fenders, Nitto Promenade bars with thumbshifters, Shimano 600 "Arabesque" FD and RD (which work perfectly), Brooks B15 saddle. I'll likely go with drop bars at some point as the cockpit is a bit crowded.

Before:
http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/SuperSport.jpg

After:
http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bi...erSportNew.jpg

Neal

Maybe it's not a strictly correct restoration but to me it's perfectly within the spirit of reviving a great old bike. Well done.

What was the final weight and how do you like the ride?

What was the final weight and how do you like the ride? Also what are your thoughts on the Velo Orange fenders?

Where did you get the thumbshifters? (I'm in the market for some now).

Final weight is 30 lbs, not nearly the 25 lbs I was hoping for. Still, it's a low center of gravity (!), so the ride feels very stable and not particularly sluggish.

I like the Velo Orange fenders in that they're reasonably priced and easy to install. My only grip is that the front fender is very long, so I have lots of fender in front of the forks. It could use another set of stays there; otherwise, that long piece resonates a bit too much.

Neal

I bought them from someone offering them on the iBob list.

Neal

Neal,

Regarding thumb shifters, I have a set of Suntour power ratchets from an old mountain bike I was thinking of for a project. Did you need to adapt yurs in anyway or did they fit the bar as is? Also any idea as to the quality of the sutour shifters I mentioned?

No adaptation needed as they clamped down on those bars fine. And they actually are SunTour ratcheting models. They work like a charm.

Neal

I like the upright handlebars far better than the generic drop bars.

I reserve comment, for fear East Hill will SEE this post...;)

I like the new saddle, crankset, and wheelset, including deletion of the pie plate. I am not surprised by the 30-lb. final weight, which exceeds a Peugeot UO-8 by less than a kilogram.

I love it!

The cool parts stayed, the UFO and dork disc went away. I'm impressed!

Hello Neal,

Very nice, very nice indeed. Has the look of a French Porteur machine.

One thing though, have you considered mounting a pair of those stitched leather Nashbar grips in place of the Hunt Wildes? They'd probably compliment the saddle a bit better.

-Kurt

The Nashbar "leather" grips are 100% plastic. I bought some in real leather, but I can't remember where I got them.

I'd go with Dimension black cork grips myself.

I'm hoping to find a pair of Hunt Wilde or Schwinn-approved grips in yellow, but no luck so far. The Dimension black cork grips do look interesting.

Neal

Whoah, how about this one?!

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bi...wflamegrip.jpg

Neal

+1!!!!! on the black cork grips! I was just going to suggest that. Very nice job!,,,,BD

how about the leather Brooks mountain bike grips. i cant wait to find something to use those on.
http://www.wallbike.com/brooks/brook...ebargrips.html

Neal,

Great job. You beat me to the puch with the Campy crankset on a SS. el twe's old SS that I bought and Dr.D is painting will sport some vintage Campy. By any chance did my Campyied Continetal give you some inspiration? What size chainrings are you using?

On another note; I'm in Cape Cod for my first visit here. Great rails to trails and other bike paths! All paved, well marked, and fast! I actually had Ms. PB and my 14 year old daughter on a 30 mile ride yesterday. I was very proud of them. I wish I had brought the Paramount to ride here. Next time!

Bob, I was indeed inspired by your Campified Continental. I gave some thought to putting some early 60s Campy Gran Sports front and rear derailleurs on, but I do like the look of the Shimano 600. I took the bike for a longer ride today, and those mechs worked perfectly. The Campy crank is a "traditional" 52/42-tooth setup.

And glad to hear you're enjoying riding on the Cape. I've lived in the Boston area for 15 years and have yet to go there! Someday, hopefully.

Neal